Ground Zero

Today, Wednesday (1/16/02) I went to Ground Zero. Its very hard to get near the site to see. There are police barricades all around the perimeter. There are many people walking around. At Ground Zero there is a tremedous wall of memorials, pictures of loved ones, flags, handprints, messages. Additionally, there are a ton of street vendors selling pictures and hats, shirts, art, music and tons of other stuff. Seems this very bad thing turned commercial - touristy - something I don't really understand. Perhaps it's our way of grieving - I can't really say. I was amazed at how large the WTC site really is. Its HUGE! With all the people there I felt like crying, but went beyond that quickly into just being numb, dumbfounded, and mostly confused as to why this terrible thing happened.

I snapped a couple of photos while I was there. My ticket to get on the viewing platform conflicted with my flight back to Boston. I will try and gather more photos the next time I'm there...

Above is a photo where the WTC towers used to stand. The building with the flag is covered in a black mesh covering. Its tough to see in the photo, but the face of that building is torn up and exposed. I believe that covering is to protect from falling debris.

Below is a series of memorials around the perimeter of Ground Zero.

Below is one of 8 viewing platforms. Dress warm and be prepared to wait in line. I'm told there are 16 ticket stations around the site. On the top of the page is an admission ticket to the platform.

Below is a photo of the emergency workers makeshift shelters